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Helping Helen T Cope......

  • Final update

      11 April 2013

    Good day to you all. This will be the final update. A HUGE thank you to everyone who contributed in any way to making life a little easier for Helen, Quentin, Presley, Grayson, Geneva & Potiki. I know they couldn't have bared facing this alone, and without your help it would've been 100 times worse. Not only the donations on here, but also the food vouchers, the food baskets, the food, the envelopes with money, the gifts, the helping out with electricity bills, the helping out with ""hugs for Helen"", the helping out with funeral costs and planning, the fundraisers, the baby sitting, the father sitting, the dropping in and cleaning or cooking, the positive vibes, the support and especially the love. Absolutely jaw dropping stuff, and all to help those in need. From the bottom of our hearts we are eternally thankful. Helen left us on February the 28th and was released from the pain and suffering she had to endure 24/7. She battled like crazy to get through to her baby's birthday, and also stay with her soulmate Quentin, and that is something we are all extremely proud of, her strength was awe inspiring and it changed many people's lives forever. Although I couldn't make it to her funeral, I was not at all shocked to hear how many friends and family showed up to support her, and those who were closest to her. I heard it was ""packed"", inside and out, a true indicator of how many lives she touched. It's bloody awesome to know that the huge and generous support afforded to her and her family during those hard times is still going strong! Quentin has many willing friends and family ready to bend an ear his way should he need to talk. The kids also have fantastic support and love, and they all deserve every ounce of it. Potiki doesn't have enough days in his life to cater for all the people fighting over him, I'm yet to hear anything even remotely bad about him. No crying stories. Not scared of anyone(even my dad!). Nothing! I'm actually beginning to believe his shit doesn't stink! He will grow up a fine young man knowing how awesome his mum was, and hopefully he can take after his brothers and sisters and make us all proud. Again, a monster thank you for all that you have done, are doing, and intend to do. There is still a long and sometimes difficult journey ahead for this family, but it's been made much easier because of all of you. If you ever feel like donating a little bit to a good cause, I'd like to vouch for the Hospice, they looked after my sis and did everything they could to help her out, and by all accounts, especially hers, they are awesome. Take care all of you! Love those close to you as you never know what is in store around the corner.

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  • ""my beautiful wife is finally at peace""

      1 March 2013

    Sadly, but with much relief, our Helen moved on to a painless, peaceful place this afternoon on February 28th. She is free from being trapped in countless battles, and we are all glad her spirit and soul can finally Rest In Peace. She was incredibly courageous and brave to fight through to her beautiful sons birthday, and also hang on to love all of her children, husband, family and friends, for a wee while longer. Quentin and Potiki, a new journey begins, but with the support wefve seen so far, both of you will have all the love and help anyone in this shit situation could hope for. Pres, Gray and Geneva, much love to you three, so many people there to help should you need it, never be afraid to ask for anything! As has been the case all the way through this rocky road, Anton has been there and has been awesome, hefs a very lucky man to have such primo kids, and they are equally as lucky to have a top Dad! A HUGE, HUGE thanks to everyone who helped out in some way, itfs been nothing short of amazing. I know Helen was extremely humbled at the love, help, and positiveness that was shown to her and her family, and I also know she was calmed by the fact that it will never stop. The following are some of the messages written to describe our Helen, all by friends and family on social media in the last few months. amazing, courageous, I'll always remember how good you were with the kids at daycare, strong, think of you always, lovely smile , beautiful friend , we always knew our kids were in safe hands , beautiful lady, beautiful Aunty, you lit up the room with your lovely smile and positive energy, amazing wife, a positive force, beautiful girl, special lady, beautiful mummy, blimmin amazing, miss you heaps, we love you so very much, beautiful woman inside and out, you are such an amazing courageous lady, I will never forget all those amazing times we shared, a truly amazing person, beautiful family, one of a kind, fantastic lady, a trooper, beautiful woman, our beautiful Hel, one strong wahine, love you beauty, most amazing person, precious friend, beautiful wahine, beautiful inside and out, an angel, you are tops, you mean soooo much to us, a true inspiration, buckets of aroha at you, lovely lady, a very special woman, sweet, a great listener, amazing mother, great to dance with, loving, generous , happy and glowing, radiant, depths of strength and grace, best mum ever in the whole entire universe. And even, in reference to her strength, man amongst men! We all love you, and miss you already. There is a comment section at the bottom of this update if you would like to leave a personal message for Quentin and the kids. Much, much love to you all. RIP sis. Helen Thomas Cope 1974 - 2013.

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  • Update for 25/02/2013

      25 February 2013

    Kia ora! Again, and it will forever continue, thank you to everyone for your support and love! A message from Quentin and Helen, ""just can't thank everyone enough for the generosity, the kindness, the support....we are a very lucky whanau to have such wonderful people in our lives..."". Pretty much sums up everyone's thoughts and feelings. The Potiki had a wonderful birthday with his mum and dad, and other family and friends. I believe he went to the swimming pool and had a ball of a time, no doubt he got showered with love and presents, as every baby should, especially the love! Helen slowly seems to be slipping away, which I guess most of us were aware would happen sometime. Her body and mind is being tested every minute of every day, and its a huge credit to her and those around her, that she made it to Potiki's birthday. What she is going through right now is about as horrible as one could possibly imagine, it's heart breaking. No one deserves this kind of mental torture, especially someone with a heart as big as Helen's. She currently can't walk alone anymore, speaking takes much of her energy when she can, and eating is still a struggle, so pretty much all the physical aspects of her life are hell at the minute. Add the mental anguish and its hard to stomach just how much she is fighting for her life. Even in all this darkness, and I mean pitch, she still has the power to light a room with her smile. She is still laughing and making jokes, despite everything, and I'm so bloody proud of her. As this wretched journey continues, you all should know you played a part in making it bearable for Helen and Quentin, and without the love and support, it would've ended many moons ago. So again, thank you all so so much for giving a little, or a lot, lending a shoulder to lean on, giving up your time to drop by and say hello, your cooking and baking, the vouchers, the baby sitting hours(which I think is more a reward then a job), sitting by and holding Helen's hand, and also sending all the love and light. In the words of the fantastic children's writer Todd Parr, the world is a better place because of you. Much love to you all, keep sending those positive vibes and thoughts, and also please give Helen's givealittle page a like and a share. Have a good week and let's all hope for a better tomorrow.

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  • Mt Zion and Helen

      15 February 2013

    Happy Friday to you all, hope the sun is shining and all is well! Huge thanks for all the donations and acts of love towards Helen, Quentin and all of their beautiful whanau! To be honest, I'm running out of ways to say how awesome you all are! Many of you have never even met Helen, only friends of friends/ family, but you still give up your hard earned money to help someone out, who you probably couldn't pick out in a line up. It's amazing really, and your kindness will never be forgotten. Keep being awesome! A special thanks to the whanau in Christchurch, much, much love from Helen, Quentin and everyone involved. Next, the ""Mt Zion"" fundraiser, a monster $900 was raised thanks to the mean organising efforts of Whaits and Shelley, and also of course, all those who attended! Cracking effort and if anyone gets a chance, buy those two a pint next time you can! Also a big hats off to Petone's Lighthouse Theatre who gladly took up the offer and gave everyone the place to be, I hope you all continue to help them out in the future by going and watching movies down there. By all accounts they were wonderful hosts, so a mighty thanks to them! Also big thanks to Stokes Valley New World who donated a heap of chocolates and goodies for all to enjoy, 16kgs to be precise, much respect to them for giving! An awesome act of generosity so please be sure to say thanks to the boss down there should you see him or her! It will let them know that their kindness doesn't go unnoticed! Sadly, in all this good will and love, the reason it has all come to pass is our Helen, and it seems she is hitting quite a rough patch at the minute. Her energy is being sapped something wicked right now, and that bubbly box of smiles we all know is slowly having her speech taken from her, it's gut wrenchingly sad as her words are a huge reason we love her so much. Quentin put it best, ""breaks my f***ing heart"", although we will never know just how bad it all is for him, this pretty much sums up everyone's feelings I believe. So, lets all hope like hell that things turn around for the better in the coming days, keep sending that love and light, keep dropping in to put smiles on Quentin's and Helen's faces, keep being there should they need a hand with anything, and keep being awesome friends and whanau. Thanks again to you all for everything. Much love to you all.

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  • Update for 12/02/2013

      12 February 2013

    Kia ora. Again, huge thank you to everyone who has helped or given in some way. That goes to you too Tina for hooking Quentin up with a movie ticket! Good on ya! I heard the whole movie experience was awesome, watching it with good company and laughing together, wish I was home! So a big well done to the organisers, Shelley and Whaits! Cracking stuff guys! Now, on to our Helen. Sadly, Helen's strength is slowly being taken away. Talking is now something she struggles with, and walking will soon be a thing of the past. Eating is becoming even more difficult as whatever goes in doesn't really want to stay there, it's a big problem. Poor Helen. It's bloody gut wrenching and hard to swallow, writing these things doesn't get any easier........ Quentin reckons she hasn't lost her sense of humour so that's a bonus! We can only hope that things will improve tomorrow. Keep on sending that love and light Helen's way, its helped her get this far, so no reason why it won't help her get a bit of strength to fight on for a while yet. If you can't catch up with Hel, for whatever reason, make sure you give her a huge hug in your dreams, I'm sure she would gladly drop in on you while you sleep for a chat and some love. Don't forget, the Potiki turns 1 on the 22nd of this month, so everyone, send a huge positive boost to Hel so she can get through to this day. Also, Potiki mailed me and said you can send his birthday buzz bars over to his uncle in sushiland! He's such a good lad is our Potiki. Quentin, keep your chin up bro, you are doing a fine job. Thanks again to you all for taking so much pressure off Quentin and Helen, updates every now and then don't really do our appreciation justice. The love shown will never be forgotten. Much aroha to you all.

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  • Update for 07/02/2013

      7 February 2013

    Kia ora! I hope you are all well where ever you may be at this time! Again, thank you soooooooooo much for giving to this cause, it's damn important to let you all know just how awesome you are. Both giving and receiving gives us such positive feelings, because our Helen has given many of you such a warm glow in the past, and present, she is getting that kindness in return. This site is only a very small part of the love being thrown her way, its humbling and just downright too much! Almost 100 people have donated here, many of whom we will probably never meet. So a monster cyber hug from Helen, Quentin and everyone involved. In all this time I haven't mentioned Helen's other kids that much, Potiki has taken the spotlight with his rare ability to swoon every person who lays eyes on him. He's a heart melting machine! I just wanted to say Presley, Grayson and Geneva, you guys are braver then you get credit for. You are awesome kids that anyone would be happy to call their own. Feet firmly on the ground, well rounded and huge hearts, cracking examples of how kids your age should be, Helen has given you guys the path, and you walk it admirably. You will always have many shoulders to lean on should you need them, but to be honest, I think you guys will probably lend your shoulders to more people in the coming years then the other way around. Keep being awesome! As for our Helen, no news is usually good news, and that's how it seems to be at present. Day by day, ups and downs, but never facing them alone because of an amazing support system, and plenty of love and light! So, keep sending all those positive thoughts to Helen, she's definitely receiving them and it really does help. The Potiki will be reaching the grand old age of 1 on February the 22nd, I can't wait to see the photo of him, dad and mum with their beaming smiles! Much aroha to you all.

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  • Update for 01/02/2013

      1 February 2013

    Kia ora! How awesome are all of you!? We have reached our goal of 10k, which is just fanbloodytastic! We are all totally humbled at the love and kindness of not only you guys who have donated, but everyone who has helped in some way to carry this huge burden. Helen and Quentin are so stoked with the support, and this money will be there to call upon should they need, or want to use it for any reason they want. Thank you all so much! But let's not end here, why don't we try and double it!? So continue to like and share on social media, tell your mates and work colleagues, and keep sending that love and light Helen's way! Helen doesn't really seem to be improving sadly, and as I've said before, the battles she has to fight are starting to mount up and really take there toll on her both mentally and physically. It's becoming even more difficult for her to keep food down, and even worse this also goes for her medicine. Both are extremely important aspects of Helen's well being, and its starting to really have an effect on her. It's just so bloody difficult to come to terms with, she's fighting hard, but it seems fruitless at times, it just sucks! She still has lots of people up to visit her, and she is very grateful to have that, it just shows how many people genuinely love our Hel, that pretty much everyday in this darkness people go up and pledge their support, help out in some way, and leave a smile on her dial. You are all so great! I truly believe she would be long gone without all the love and light, Quentin would've lost it, and the Potiki would be in someone else's arms. I'll leave you with this from Quentin. Hope it's cool bro!? ""But still she don't complain...emotions running very high, lots of tears from everyone...especially me...it's the feeling of helplessness watching the person you love the most in this world fading away in front of my eyes....she's battling hard bro and its zapping her energy....I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy"". Hang in their bro. Thanks again to everyone. One love!

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  • Update for 25/01/2013

      25 January 2013

    Helen Jan 7th Shout out to - rotary gave a big xmas hamper - Titiro Whakamua team parent unit, took a basket to work to collect for Hel, then brought it in every one to two weeks. - friends and family giving food and vouchers, tooooo many to name! - two mums giving unlimited time and energy. Toa definitely has a tough responsibility to take on but she's learnt the ropes and become Helen's home nurse. - Potiki is about as good a baby as you could find. Happy around anyone and everyone, with lots of visitors and family. - Jan 25. Kia ora. I hope you are all well! Can't believe we have almost reached $10,000! These donations and acts of love just keep on coming, it's so bloody awesome it reduces some of us to tears. I know many of you have said sorry for only giving a little, but please don't even try and think that way. Anything and everything given is so greatly appreciated, and no one wants to thank you more then Helen and Quentin. They are extremely touched at the generosity and love shown by so many. Thank you all so much!!! Helen has been up and down since her big day on Jan 12, which isn't really surprising considering what she has to face 24/7. It's all about fighting each day as it comes, she is very lucky to have a gang of family and mates right behind her should she need something. It's amazing how much happiness a lazy boy can bring! Helen's mum hooked her up and now she can at least get some comfort, something that she hasn't been able to find in all this darkness. It also means she can sit (& sleep) surrounded by her loved ones in the lounge, which is a bonus for everyone! She is still regularly having fluid drained from her mid section, 3ltrs the other day, that's a lot! The liquid builds and puts pressure on the rest of her mid section, resulting in some pain, especially when she moves. Getting to, and from the hospital is a mission in itself for poor Hel, but it has to be done and she is a warrior of the highest order. She has many visitors, which keeps her spirits up, so many people want to see her I'm sure many miss out because of the line at the door........ She is just so awesome and doesn't deserve this shit. Anyway, Helen's brother, who also organised Helen's big day(top marks for that bro), has organised a fundraiser at Petone's Lighthouse Theatre. It's on February 11th and the movie is ""Mt Zion"". For more details check out the event page on Facebook, here https://www.facebook.com/events/415819528492551/ or contact Whaits (like fights) on 022-162-5792 or Shelly on 027-230-2893. Just mention the fundraiser and they will sort it for you. It will be a great night and its a very worthy cause. Again, thank you all so much for all of the support and love! Keep sending that love and light to Hel, it isn't being wasted! One love.

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  • Update for 18/01/2013

      18 January 2013

    Kia ora. Thanks to those who recently donated, and everyone who has shared the love in some way. You are all awesome! These donations are hugely appreciated by Helen and Quentin, and all of the family. As is all the other forms of love given. Sadly, since Saturday Helen has been on the downward slope health wise. It's bloody hard to explain just how many battles she is fighting, and how hard each one of them is. I can't even begin to imagine how shit it must be for poor Hel. As of now the chemo is on hold, something Helen is happy about. She is having fluids drained every now and then, and is pretty much battling through every minute of every day. The quality time between Helen and her family is growing smaller, so let's all send a kickarse load of love and light her way over the coming days. Thanks again for all that you have done, are doing, and intend to do in the future. One love.

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  • Update for 14/01/2013

      14 January 2013

    More donations have come in since the last update, so a huge thanks to you, and also to everyone else who has done their bit to lighten Helen's burden. I'm on my way home right now, and its comforting to know that everyday Helen is with us, there is a hoard of family and friends willing to give up so much to help out in some way. It's bloody awesome. She deserves every ounce of love directed her way! On Saturday Helen had her big day, she wanted to have her close friends and family together. She wanted to see everyone, and she wanted everyone's kids to hang out and enjoy the time together. She had a mental pic of how she hoped it would go down, and it seems it was just as she planned. She had a cracking day, ""best ever"" she reckons. The Hangi was fantastic, cream paua was my personal favourite. So a huge well done to everyone who helped with that in some way, especially Helen's brother Whaits, thanks for sorting that out bro. As well as Helen having a good day, everyone else had one as well! Pretty much everyone there met a new friend or a long lost family member, it really is bizarre how many people are connected through Helen. A special ""welcome to the family"" to Helen's bro and sis who travelled from up north, a couple of amazing people who Helen was so happy to meet. It really was a special day, for everyone, and it will be one of those days we will probably remember for ever. She was quite lucky to have even made it by the sounds of it, she had a bit of a problem early in the day but it was sorted, and she made it. One of her biggest problems at the moment is bloating in and around her stomach. We all produce a bile/ liquid that kind of lubricates and separates the contents in our mid section, Helen's body won't stop producing this liquid. She has been having the liquid drained, one time she had about 3L drained and within 24 hours she reproduced it again. It wasn't a good sign. But the last couple of drains she hasn't reproduced the liquid as fast, and the docs hope it's a sign that the chemo is doing some good. Here's hoping they are right, and Helen is getting a little better! Winning this small battle will not win the war, but it will give everyone, especially Helen, a bit more hope. She is still getting up and doing as much as she can, the last couple of days were the best I saw her while home. Her energy levels picked up and she was eating a bit more. Before heading home I thought it would be the last time I would see my sis alive, but now I'm not so sure, especially after hearing other stories. Fingers crossed Helen's story is told to a cancer patient in the future to give them some hope, she has her wedding anniversary and Potiki's birthday to look forward to now, good luck Helen! So keep sending those positive thoughts, love and light, it really does make a difference. A quick, and big thanks to Helen, Quentin and the kids, was primo staying with you guys, always is! Heads up and I hope to see you all sooner rather then later. And last, thanks again to all those who have donated. Helen decided to use some of the money to get a new computer, she wants all the photos and videos of her and her family on a nice computer, so thanks to you she can have this wish. Much love to you all, and no more complaining about the heat, we've been sitting on a runway in Tokyo for over 30 minutes because of the snow! -1 outside...............

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  • Update for 09/01/2013

      9 January 2013

    For givealittle. Kia ora. Again, huge Thank you to all of the givers out there, and not just the financial stuff, it's been amazing! This site is only a small part of the monstrous generosity shown by family, friends, and strangers. The vege baskets, fruit, small gifts, big gifts, mean meals dropped off, vouchers and more vouchers, the ghosts who drop in and clean the house, the time and money given, it's just so bloody awesome! No one appreciates it more then Helen, she's humbled by the love. So, one more time, everlasting thanks to everyone out there who has helped in any way, it's definitely taken many pressures off people deep in this situation. I flew in to surprise Helen on Monday, she had a beaming smile and it was really good seeing her. She is very thin at the moment, it was devastating to see, and about as heart wrenching as I've experienced. She has so many different battles to fight, any one of which would probably be too much for most people. She has to deal with constant stomach pains, muscle pains, no energy to stay awake for a long time but she cant sleep for longer then a couple of hours at most, problems starting from lack of sleep/ food, the chemo, traveling, constant nausea, and the huge mental battles, it's enough to make you weep.....but, it is Helen and she is a battler. Man she is awesome. Through all of this she still has the courage to sort out her own funeral, which she has done over the last couple of days, she wants to have it the way she imagines it, and how it will roll. She even decided on Quentin's attire! How can you not be proud of someone like that, she's just a huge inspiration and we all love her to bits. It's all been sorted out now so she won't have anything to worry about, huge hats off to the man that sorted all of that out! She had a short spell at the hospital recently, then to the hospice where she had one of her best days in all this darkness, and back home on Sunday. She gets 24/7 care from her mum and Quentin, who in my humble opinion are bloody warriors, much respect for that. She originally had a new type of chemo but it was too hard for her body to handle so she went to the tried and trusted treatment, after 2 sessions there are hopes it might have slowed down a couple of the problems she is currently having, so many fingers and toes are crossed regarding that, any respite is gold. She gets up as often as she can, and tries to get things done with the little energy that she has, she also eats a little as well, she loves a special tomato pasta from Petone. She freaked Quentin out the other day, he woke up and she was sitting on the end of his bed munching a chicken sandwich that she made at some early morning hour. While staying with her for only a couple of days so many people have dropped in to leave something, or help do something, sometimes people don't get to see her but no one minds. Out of all this darkness it's been nothing short of amazing how many people are there to help catch, or break the fall of Helen and her family. Without the support I doubt they would get through it, it would simply be too much to bare. Thanks again, please keep sending that love and light her way, she will need every ounce of it this weekend, it's going to be extremely taxing on her, but she loves the fact people are going to be there. Oh, and that boy of hers, Potiki is about as sweet a baby as you could wish for, an absolute bundle of smiles and joy! He is going to cause animosity this weekend, there won't be enough time in the day for everyone to get there Potiki time in! Much love to you all.

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  • Update for 06/01/2013

      6 January 2013

    Kia ora! Again, thanks for all the love, light, donations and helping our Helen. It's been amazing! Helen had spent some more time in hospital, then went to the hospice for a couple of nights, and made it home yesterday. She is still fighting hard, but the struggle is taking its toll. Before she leaves us, she wanted to meet her long lost father and his family, and on Friday her dream came true. She had a massive smile on her dial all day and is bloody stoked to finally meet them. They made the trip down from up north so a monster hats off to them for giving our Hel some happiness and closure. Helen's big day, ""Hangi & Hugs"" is this coming Saturday, lots of family and friends will come together to share the love. It's going to be a big one, so everyone, send those positive thoughts and vibes to Hel so she has enough strength to get through the day. Much love to you all, good luck getting back into the working groove.

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  • Update for 01/01/2013

      1 January 2013

    Happy New Years to everyone! Thanks for all your love and donations, much aroha to you all. I'm extremely guttered to let you all know that things aren't looking the best for Helen. She has had a rough couple of days and is in hospital, and it isn't looking very good. A specialist has come in and given her a few weeks. Not really a hell of a lot I can add to that except we are hoping the specialist knows bugger all. Helen is her usual self and fighting harder then anyone I know, and for that she deserves every accolade that we can give. Quentin too is a bloody machine, I get teary eyed just hearing about this stuff, being in the thick of battle must be a right mission, so a huge hats off to that man! All I can say is I hope for the best. Keep sending that love and light to Helen, now more then ever it is needed. Much love to you sis.

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  • Update for 27/12/2012

      27 December 2012

    Hope you all had a primo Christmas! Sounds like NZ was scorching hot these last couple of days, lucky for some, it's about 0 degrees here now. Again, thanks to all those who have donated, dropped in to see Hel, lent a hand to Quentin, or just sent some love and light Helen's way, it's all good! Much love in return! A big thanks to those that we don't know, it's bloody awesome! Helen spent xmas day with family, everyone was a bit worried she wouldn't be able to make it but thankfully it worked out. She is still spending a lot of time in hospital, it's definitely not ideal, but everyone doing their job there is awesome, and that makes it a bit more bearable. So a hats of to all the staff looking after Helen, thanks! Lack of energy is one of the biggest problems at the moment, but it's par for the chemo course. The docs were worried she might not have the energy to get home on xmas day, but she dug deep and made it. She LOVED the family time, and her first xmas with Potiki, so that's good! She's just getting through each day the best she can, unbelievable support around her to help her in her journey, and she is extremely grateful to have it. She will be staying in hospital all day tomorrow(27th), traveling is the worst energy taker so she wants a day of rest. Fingers crossed she will be full of beans in a few days so she can get home with the family. Much love to you all, have a cracking festive season and New Years, and safe travels. Thanks again.

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  • Update for 19/12/2012

      19 December 2012

    Kia ora! Hope you are all well where ever you may be! A huge thanks to all those wonderful caring people out there, some we know, and some we don't, but you all are just bloody awesome. Helen, Quentin, and the family are just so appreciative of all the donations, not only on here, but the help at home, the food, the love and light, everything! The support network that has shown through is amazing, so again, thanks to you all! We love you! Helen has been in and out of the hospital, home and the hospice a lot lately, and went back into the hospital on Monday. She needed to have an operation, and that seems to have worked out so fingers crossed she will do the chemo today, then get back home where even more love and light is waiting for her! I bet she's hanging out for the ""discharge"" news as I type! She's a bloody strong trooper and has gone through more in the last few months then most of us have ever been through, or ever will. Huge hats off to her and Quentin, who must be having to deal with some monumental problems I can't even begin to imagine. I believe Helen might be able to have the chemo at home in the not to distant future, so all fingers, toes, arms and legs are crossed this can happen ASAP. Much love to you all and don't stop sending those positive thoughts to my sis, she's more deserving of them then anyone I know. Again, thanks for all the support, and have a wonderful festive season!

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  • Update for 12/12/2012

      12 December 2012

    Kia ora! Sorry for not putting an update up sooner. A big thanks again to everyone who has donated, helped, or sent the love Helen's way, MUCHLY appreciated by all! Helen is back home and seems to be on a good thing at the minute, eating some food and going about her business. She is just trying to steer clear of any problems, so she can get enough strength to get back into the chemo. So keep send that love and light Helen's way!!! She looooved the Hospice, angels she reckons! So if you ever have the chance to givealittle again, the Hospice definitely puts the money to cracking use! Well, the festive season is almost here, so good luck with all the preparing and shopping and all that! Again, big thanks to you all! Much love!

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  • Bless the Hospice.

      4 December 2012

    Kia ora. As always, all donations are very much appreciated! You are all bloody awesome! Over the last couple of weeks Helen has been to hospital and back a couple of times, it's been a right mission by the sounds of it. The moving, pain, drugs and being away from the family takes its toll. When she was finally getting home, it was short lived because of different problems and pain, though she did have some cracking family time and shook a few of the older problems off. Day by day is about as good an explanation as it gets. Yesterday, Helen went to the Hospice, and will be staying there until Wednesday. Helen really likes the peace and quiet down there, she also has her own room and gets enough support and love to sink a ship. She is welcome to stay there as long as she pleases, and although Helen loved the people at the hospital, it's not as homely as the Hospice. It sounds like it's a hospital, and your living room rolled into one. They have a really nice space outside for family to hang, bbq area and all, sounds like a primo place for Helen, which is all that matters really. And for all this love and support, they expect nothing in return. Enough to make the eyes water that! And they don't even get any government grants I believe. They rely on volunteers, donations, and supporters. I'm going to shamelessly encourage you to drink Dilmah Tea, the Hospices largest contributor. They provide around $30,000 worth of tea to all the hospices in NZ each year, and an annual donation of around $25,000. I think that's just bloody awesome! Go Dilmah!!! Sorry for the diversion, so back to Helen. Keep sending the light, love and positive vibes to Helen, she needs all of it and more! Much love to you all.

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  • Update for 30/11/2012

      30 November 2012

    From Wonder Woman herself, ""I just wana say I love all my friends and familly so so so much and I dont always answer you all back. . . but I love all the prayers and positive comments and support, cards, meals, donations . . . .its over whelming to know people love and care for my children and this whole messy situation. You are all a blessing in our hearts and lives and we are the lucky ones. I know there is an amazing network forming that is going to have my family's back when the time really comes. Thank you all so much xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox endless love to you all.""

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  • Update for 27/11/2012

      27 November 2012

    Kia ora. A huge thank you to the flood of donations that have come in the last few days, and also to everyone who has shown the love since the little piece of evil has shattered a few lives. Big thanks to ours friends from Japan, Helen's friends around the world, unknown angels who give to someone they know very little about, and family and friends back home who have bent over backwards to do what they can to take the pressure off Quentin. If there can be a positive, it's the love felt from giving and receiving, it's tooooooo much alright. ""My beautiful wife is back home after a two week tour of duty at Wellington Hospital. Big ups to the staff on Ward 5 North for taking excellent care of my darling. Huge THANK YOU to Kate and her team, and to Billy the surgeon(you're the man)"" Now, Helen is waiting for a special bed from the hospice to give her that extra comfort. She is well stoked to be back at home with her children and Quentin, long may it continue! She is shattered from the drugs, ops, pain, tests and staying in a hospital bed for that precious two weeks. Again, and we can't stress this enough, thank you all for the support, life would be even more miserable if there weren't people like you to put a shine on a shitty few months. Keep sending those positive thoughts and feelings not only Helen's way, but to anyone who might need a lift. Much love to you all.

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  • Update for 25/11/2012

      25 November 2012

    Sorry for not getting an update up earlier......... It seems we have a new site here, lovely fantail up the top there! Hope you are all well, thank you all again for the donations. As said many times before, we appreciate everything that you have done to help Helen, not only financial support, but sending positive thoughts, and dropping in to help in anyway you can. Now, to Helen. Sadly she is still in the hospital. The doctors were happy to tell her the operation worked out well, because if it didn't there wouldn't be much left they could do. Phew. Although she is keen to get home, she understands the importance of being in a hospital bed, and having wonderful nurses there to help when she needs it. Some good news, is she may be allowed to go home for a day release, her bed in the hospital will be left open should anything go wrong and she needs to go back. Good news as she won't have to go to the Emergency Department if the crap hits the fan, so to speak. She had a good chat with a specialist yesterday, basically hearing where she stands currently and what can be done from now. If the chemo doesn't seem to work, they are looking at trying a new drug which will be released in December. This was welcome news as Helen hasn't really been having a grand time these last couple of weeks. All and all things could be a lot better, but at this moment in time we have to take all the good news that we can get. Keep sending those positive thoughts Helen's way. It's been a bloody tough week for everyone, so fingers crossed things can get better, even a little bit would be a huge bonus. Much love and again, thank you all for everything!!!

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  • Update for 19/11/2012

      19 November 2012

    Kia ora. Again, a huge thank you for all the love! Donations, positive vibes, kind words, dropping in to see if the family are ok, vouchers, and good old fashioned love! Cracking stuff! Well, Helen's op was postponed until today. The surgeon told her they would first drain the liver, let her recover, then move on to the next step in the op. He thought it would be best doing them on different days, but after the draining, he decided to press on and get it all over and done with. Apparently the pain killers weren't working and poor Hel could feel everything, but afterwards she seemed stoked to get the 2 for 1 deal as it means she has a better chance of getting home sooner, something she hopes comes sooner rather then later. She has only great things to say about the doctors and nurses, but she misses the family and home. Fingers, toes, arms and legs are all crossed and we hope she is on her way home ASAP. For all she has been through the past week, it's amazing she is still holding her head up, bloody tough is Helen. Much love to you all!

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  • Update for 16/11/2012

      16 November 2012

    A monster thank you to all those who have donated, and/ or helped in any way! It's pretty much impossible to express with words the appreciation and love felt by everyone involved, both giving and receiving. It's just so bloody awesome! Thank you all so very much. Sadly, Helen is still in hospital and will be having an operation today. Unfortunately the little piece of evil has grown, and spread to the liver, today's op is to drain liquid from her liver. Chemo has been put on hold until this can be sorted. As the specialist said, ""One step at a time"", sums it all up really. It's a bloody difficult time right now, so keep sending those positive vibes Helen's way! I think Quentin's words are better at explaining the now, ""Hel is a really strong person but she is really, really, scared, as are we all"". Keep fighting the good fight!

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  • Update for 13/11/2012

      13 November 2012

    Sorry, double post.

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  • Update for 13/11/2012

      13 November 2012

    Kia ora, Helen has had a rough few days, she was having some pretty bad problems and had to go to the hospital on Sunday. Sadly she is still there. She had some blood tests and it seems things might not be going so well. Quentin will have a meeting with the doctor tomorrow and we will have a better idea of what is happening, and where Helen is heading. It's going to be bloody tough night for everyone, so until tomorrow, send as many happy, positive thoughts as you can spare to Helen and Quentin. They are needed more now then ever. Much love to you all.

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  • Update for 08/11/2012

      8 November 2012

    Kia ora, Helen has been feeling pretty good the last few days. Was Helen's birthday on Sunday, she spent the day with family and she was in good spirits. She recently spent a day getting some sound advice about how to think positively, and from what I've heard it has worked some magic. Amazing what a bit of good advice, and some positive thinking can do for the good of the body eh!? She had her second chemo session today, but I haven't heard how things went so I'll post it up here after I have a chat. Again, thanks to all the family, friends, internet friends, and strangers that have donated. It's just so bloody awesome!!!!

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  • Update for 01/11/2012

      1 November 2012

    Good day to you all. Busy as day for Helen and Quentin today. Long chat about what is to come, body flushes, blood tests, meds, solutions........ 4 hours later. First session is always a slog, next Wednesday is the 2nd treatment, and will take about an hour. Tonight is Quentin's monitor night, to see how her body reacts, so far Helen is sweet, fingers crossed all goes smoothly! Both Helen and Quentin are still overwhelmed by everyones support on here, from the horses mouth, well, Quentin's mouth to be exact. ""can you thank everyone again when you get the chance for their kindness and reiterate that no donation is 2 small and we are so grateful and thankful for the awesomeness that is in the world....""

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  • Update for 29/10/2012

      29 October 2012

    I hope you are all well! Thanks again for the donations!!! They are all bloody awesome! And those that have apologised, don't be silly!!! It's called givealittle, not givealot. The amount is irrelevant. Helen will have her first chemo treatment this Wednesday, fingers are firmly crossed for her! Will let you know how that goes. Have a good week!

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  • Update for 24/10/2012

      24 October 2012

    Helen went to see the doctor and get the results of a few scans and tests she had. After pain in her back the doctors were worried the cancer might have spread, but thankfully it hasn't. And another bonus is that the growth has stalled, probably a result of the radiation treatment. Although it hasn't changed the long term diagnosis, it was bloody great news for Helen and the family. She's determined to see baby start kindergarten! The chemo will start in the coming days, the doctor is hopeful they can keep the evil little ball in a frozen state for as long as possible. Along with the blood thinning injections, meds, rest, positive thinking and healthy diet, we are all hoping to have Helen with us for a bit longer yet! Much aroha to you all.

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  • Update for 19/10/2012

      19 October 2012

    First off, a huge thanks to those that have donated. Especially the cuzzy over in Singapore, overwhelming bro! Thank you all so very much, Helen, although slightly embarrassed about receiving charity, is very grateful! Helen is off to the docs today to have a chat about the upcoming chemo treatment, she is in high spirits and I still can't believe how strong she is, a bloody warrior if ever there was one! Also a big hats off to Quentin, he's managing to keep everything running smoothly, Helen is in good hands there. Again, thanks to you all. It's amazing how awesome some people are, in some cases giving money to someone they don't even know. Very humbling indeed. Much love to you all!

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  • Update for 17/10/2012

      17 October 2012

    Helen was told on August 7th by a specialist, that she has an advanced tumor in her pancreas. She has had her full quota of radiation treatment (x10) and will start chemotherapy in the next 10 days. Along with constant pain in her mid section, she continually feels nauseous, and has very little energy at any one time. She is bloody strong and does her best to do what she can.

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